How we source and label our data
Every number has a source and a date
Duty rates, fees and tax rates on this site carry the place they came from, the date we checked them, the date they are due for review, and a label for how reliable the source is. You can see these next to each figure in the landed cost calculator.
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Official | Read from the official publisher or its official interface |
| Public listing | A published figure from another source, cross-checked, to be verified before relying on it |
| Estimate | Our own estimate or suggestion, such as a classification candidate |
| Manufacturer quote | A figure given to us by a manufacturer, with the date |
What happens when data gets old
When a figure passes its review date it is still shown, but flagged. When it is well past the review date, or past the end of its validity period such as a customs fiscal year, the calculator declines to give a result instead of showing a number we cannot support.
What we do not compute
Some inputs change too often or depend too much on the exact product for us to give a reliable number. We say so and leave them out: additional US duties on Chinese goods, freight, your local broker and delivery costs, and the final tariff classification of your product. You can enter your own figures, which are then labelled as yours.
Compliance checklists
The compliance items are starting points, written in cautious language, with a link to the official text where there is one. They are not a complete list and not legal advice. Our own advice, such as how to treat safety claims, is labelled as ours.
Manufacturers and products
Where we list a manufacturer's product, the specifications, minimum order and lead times were provided by the manufacturer and carry the date they were confirmed. They can change, so they are confirmed again when you request a quote. We do not name or rate suppliers on public pages and we do not claim a supplier is verified unless we have checked and say how.
Corrections
If you find a number that is wrong or out of date, tell us through the request form or by email, and we will review it and correct the page.
Related reading
- About us
Who we are and how we work: we help buyers define a sourcing brief and introduce them to Chinese manufacturers, and we say clearly what we do and do not check. - Landed cost from China to the US, UK and EU
What makes up the landed cost of pet products imported from China into the US, UK and EU: duty, fees, VAT, freight, and what a calculator cannot know.